Five easy ways to get more involved in the industry
If you’re frustrated with your agent, the industry or simply the whole idea of being an actor, your instinct might well be to turn away from the profession for a while. But often the advice when you’re going through a tricky period - especially if you’re in the first years of your career - is to do exactly the opposite. As one experienced actor interviewed for The Actor’s Career Bible explains, getting yourself involved in the profession - in whatever way you can - will not only keep you busy and engaged, but can be the spark to future opportunities. ‘Work hard for everything and see how it shakes out … you never know what anything will lead to. Things that appear to be terrible or great my turn out to be the opposite. That workshop that was seemingly dead-end somehow leads to you developing it into amazing work years later. ’ In this blog we’ll look at five easy ways to get yourself more involved in the industry.
1. Use your existing memberships
Many of your best opportunities to get involved in the industry are bundled up with common actor membership fees. Organisations like Spotlight and other casting sites, Equity, The Actor’s Guild and The Actor’s Centre offer all sorts of workshops, classes and professional development sessions. If you’re like some of the actors I’ve interviewed who admit they don’t make the most of their memberships, check to see what you’re missing out on. Follow organisations on social media, explore their websites and make sure they’ve got your latest contact details.
2. Target work you’re interested in
One proactive actor interviewed for the book had had success actively searching for workshops offered by theatre companies they were interested in, and they encourage you to do the same. This is not only a way to learn and meet new people, but also a chance to get on the radar of companies. Bookmark websites and sign up to email lists to a make sure you get a place.
3. Audition for a showcase
Another good option to get more involved in the profession, especially early in your career, is to audition for showcases run by companies like Triforce or weekend drama schools like The Unseen. Actors who’ve benefited say the best ones have casting directors and agents in the audience, and you’ll meet lots of new actors as well.
4. Sign up to a casting workshop
Casting workshops - paying a fee to meet and (usually) perform in front of a casting director - have become increasingly popular in recent years. Some actors I’ve spoken to are yet to come round to the idea of what they see as paying for a general audition. But others interviewed say that if you go into casting workshops for a learning experience - a chance to practice auditioning, see other actors audition, get tips directly from a casting director and meet a new person in the industry - then you’ll feel you’re getting your money’s worth. Some agencies organise workshops so ask around among your actor friends to see if you can join a group. Again, you can check out what’s on offer from big industry organisation like Spotlight, specialists like The Actor’s Company LA, and follow casting directors you’re interested in on social media for updates.
5. Reconnect with your drama school or uni
‘The main source of support (once you’re in the industry) comes from people in your year and surrounding years,’ one drama school graduate interviewed for The Actor’s Career Bible told me, with another describing, ‘a network of friends who watch each other’s backs, keeping their eyes peeled for parts.’ A university grad meanwhile described the bonus of studying alongside, ‘not just actors but writers, director and producers you’re connected to socially who may be able to hook you up.’ However, there are lots of benefits beyond this, and it’s worth getting in touch with your drama school/uni to check what’s on offer. Other actors interviewed had taken advantage of graduate classes and the chance to participate in readings and workshops. There were stories from actors where staff had set graduates up with mentors, put them in contact with new agents and or recommended them for jobs. If you’re still training, the advice is to make contact with as many students, alumni and staff as possible, even if it’s just a Facebook friendship request or a Twitter follow. Keep a record of who comes to see your final shows and showcases, and anyone from the industry who comes to talk to your year-group. Once you’ve left, check what’s on offer to graduates, reconnect with people through social media and keep your drama school/uni updated with your details.
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For more advice selected from over 75 industry experts, check out previous blogs on this site and get your hands on a copy of The Actor’s Career Bible.